A vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) comprises an exhaust pipe assembly, at least oxygen sensor (204) disposed on a rear end portion of the exhaust pipe assembly, a pillion footrest bracket (206) mounted above the rear end portion of the exhaust pipe assembly, at least one controller unit (402) and at least one cable (208). The at least one cable (208) is communicatively connected between the at least one controller unit (402) and the at least one oxygen sensor (204), wherein the at least one cable (208) is extended and routed behind the at least one pillion footrest bracket (206).

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION:A VEHICLE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to automotive. More particularly, but not exclusively to, a vehicle for routing cable of an oxygen sensor.BACKGROUND

[0002] Technical advancements in the field of the automotive industry have led to significant improvements in engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions control. In order to control emissions, manufacturers have adopted sophisticated engine management systems (EMS) that incorporate various sensors to monitor and optimize engine functions. One such critical sensor is an oxygen sensor, which plays a vital role in controlling an air-fuel ratio and ensuring that an engine operates efficiently while meeting emission norms.

[0003] The oxygen sensor is typically positioned in a muffler or an exhaust system of the vehicle, where the oxygen sensor measures the oxygen content in the exhaust gases. Data gathered by the oxygen sensor is then transmitted to the EMS engine control unit (ECU), usually located in arear section of a vehicle frame. The ECU processes the data to adjust engine parameters, such as fuel injection timing, ignition, and air-fuel mixture. The ECU helps optimize performance, reduce harmful emissions, and improve overall fuel efficiency.

[0004] However, as engine management systems have become more complex, a routing and mounting of a cable of the oxygen sensor have become increasingly challenging. The cable that connects the oxygen sensor to the EMS ECU must be routed in a way to avoid slack, minimize exposure to heat, and to prevent potential contact with surrounding hot components like the muffler.

[0005] Further, a length of the cable is an important factor for controlling an overall cost of the system. There is always a preference to use a shortestpossible cable length in order to optimize the overall cost, thereby reducing the production cost, while fulfilling a need for optimal routing to ensure compatibility across different frame designs.

[0006] Furthermore, the cable if exposed to the surrounding heat may get damaged and thereby altering the oxygen sensor reading. The damaged cable may not provide sufficient information or may provide inaccurate information which can lead to safety issues for the vehicle as well as for the rider.

[0007] Additionally, it is important to route the cable in an efficient manner to avoid cable slag or hanging around the nearby components which could create a hindrance to overall working efficiency of the system.

[0008] Thus, there is a need in the art for an efficient routing of the cable which addresses at least the aforementioned problems and other problems of known art.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present invention relates to a vehicle. The vehicle comprises an exhaust pipe assembly, at least oxygen sensor disposed on a rear end portion of the exhaust pipe assembly, a pillion footrest bracket mounted above the rear end portion of the exhaust pipe assembly, at least one controller unit, and at least one cable that is communicatively connected between the at least one controller unit and the at least one oxygen sensor. Herein, at least one cable is extended and routed behind the at least one pillion footrest bracket.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one cable is fastened to the pillion footrest bracket via one or more cable holding units.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one oxygen sensor is located at a downstream region of the exhaust pipe assembly.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust pipe assembly comprises an exhaust pipe and an exhaust muffler that is connected to the exhaust pipe.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle further comprises at least one catalytic converter that is disposed on the exhaust muffler. Herein the oxygen sensor is disposed on the exhaust muffler after the at least one catalytic converter.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one cable is routed from the at least one pillion footrest bracket along a side tube of the frame.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one cable is connected to the at least one control unit via a coupler.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the coupler is fastened to the side tube via a holding unit.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one control unit is centrally located in the vehicle.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one cable is routed from a right side to a left side when viewed from a front side of the vehicle.

[0019] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of an automatic lighting system for a vehicle and method thereof along with the accompanying diagrams. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components.

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a right-side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0022] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a perspective side view of the vehicle of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates a perspective top view of the vehicle of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 4 exemplarily illustrates a perspective side view of the vehicle of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

[0026] An objective of the present subject matter is to provide a vehicle. The vehicle comprises an exhaust pipe assembly, at least oxygen sensor disposed on a rear end portion of the exhaust pipe assembly, a pillion footrest bracket mounted above the rear end portion of the exhaust pipe assembly, at least one controller unit, and at least one cable that is communicatively connected between the at least one controller unit and the at least one oxygen sensor. Herein, at least one cable is extended and routed behind the at least one pillion footrest bracket.

[0027] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a vehicle with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiments. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a right-side view of an exemplary vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle (100) includes a frame assembly (not shown) to support different parts of the vehicle (100). In an upper portion of the frame assembly (not shown), a handlebar assembly (115) is rotatably integrally connected to the steering shaft (not shown). The handlebar assembly (115) is used to steer the vehicle 100 and is connected to a front wheel (185) through the steering shaft (not shown) and a front fork assembly (not shown). An upper portion of the front wheel (185) is covered by a front fender (190) which prevents mud and water from getting deflected towards the steering shaft (not shown). Further, the front fork assembly (195) is supported on the front fender (190) by means of a brace fender (not shown).

[0030] In a front portion of the frame assembly (not shown) a fuel tank assembly (120) is arranged immediately behind the handlebar assembly (115) and is disposed over a first power source, for example an internal combustion engine (180). A seat assembly (125) is placed behind the fuel tank assembly (120). The seat assembly (125) includes a front rider seating portion and a pillion rider seating portion. The pillion rider seating portion is placed on the rear part of the frame assembly (not shown), where the rear part of the frame assembly (not shown) is covered by the tail cover assembly (not labelled).

[0031] For the safety of the rider and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlamp assembly (105) that includes a headlamp (110) and front indicator lights (140a) are provided in the front portion of the vehicle (100). On the rear portion of the two wheeled vehicle (100) a tail lamp (not labelled) and rear indicator light (140b) are provided on the rear portion of the tail cover assembly (not shown). Above a tail cover assembly (130) and behind the seat assembly (125) a pillion handle (135) is provided for the pillion rider to grab.

[0032] Suspension systems are provided for comfortable steering of the two wheeled vehicle (100) on the road. A front suspension assembly (195) serves as rigidity component for the front portion of the vehicle (100) just like the frame assembly (not shown). The front suspension assembly (195) clamped to the head tube (not shown) through an upper bracket (not labelled) and a lower bracket (not labelled) is capable of being moved to the left and right. Further, a rear suspension system (160), which is a hydraulic damped arrangement, is connected to the frame assembly (not shown). The rear suspension system (160) comprises of at least one rear suspension system (160) preferably disposed centrally in the longitudinal mid plane of the vehicle (100). However, in a vehicle (100) with two rear suspensions, the same may be disposed on the left side and the right side respectively of the vehicle 100.

[0033] The first power source, for example the internal combustion engine (180) is mounted to a front lower portion of the frame assembly (not shown) by means of an engine mounting bracket (not shown). The internal combustion engine (180) is partially covered on the lower side of the internal combustion engine (180) by an engine cover (175). The internal combustion engine (180) is equipped with an exhaust system that includes an exhaust pipe connected to the internal combustion engine (180) and a muffler assembly (155) connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler assembly (155) extends rearwards along the right side of the rear wheel (150).

[0034] Further, a swing arm (200) extending rearwards is swingably connected to a lower rear portion of the vehicle (100). The rear wheel (150)is rotatably supported at a rear end of the swing arm (200). Power from the internal combustion engine (180) is transmitted to the rear wheel (150) through a power drive mechanism, such as a drive chain, so as to drive and rotate the rear wheel (150). A center stand (165) is provided in between the front wheel (185) and the rear wheel (150) for parking the vehicle (100). A rear fender (145) for covering an upper side of the rear wheel (150) is mounted to a rear portion of the vehicle (100) to prevent mud and water splashed by the rotating rear wheel (150) from entering the muffler assembly (155), the internal combustion engine (180) and other parts disposed close by. To enhance the overall aesthetics of the vehicle (100) and to prevent undesired foreign particles from entering parts of the vehicle (100), a plurality of rear covers (not labeled) is attached to a rear portion of the frame assembly (not shown). Area below the seat assembly (125) and the fuel tank assembly (120) of the vehicle (100) is covered on both sides by a cover frame assembly (170). The cover frame assembly (170) includes the one or more side covers.

[0035] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a side view of the vehicle (100) of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle (100) comprises an exhaust pipe assembly, at least oxygen sensor (204) disposed on a rear end portion of the exhaust pipe assembly, a pillion footrest bracket (206) mounted above the rear end portion of the exhaust pipe assembly, at least one controller unit ( shown in Figure 4, controller unit 402), and at least one cable (208) communicatively connected between the at least one controller unit (402) and the at least one oxygen sensor (204). The vehicle (100) further comprises a battery (214). The at least one cable (208) is extended and routed behind the at least one pillion footrest bracket (206). In an embodiment, the exhaust pipe assembly comprises an exhaust pipe (218) and an exhaust muffler (202) connected to the exhaust pipe (218). That is, a rear end portion of the exhaust pipe assembly includes at least a rear end portion of the exhaust pipe (218) and the exhaust muffler (202). The oxygen sensor (204) may measure a percentage of oxygen present in exhaust gases flowing through the exhaust muffler (202) to the outside atmosphere.

[0036] In an embodiment, the at least one cable (208) is fastened to the pillion footrest bracket (206) via one or more cable holding units (210 A, 210B). The one or more cable holding units (210 A, 210B) may be fasteners, glues, hole clips, straps, and the like. With reference to Figure 2, the at least one cable (208) is fastened to the pillion footrest bracket (206) via the cable holding unit (210A) and the cable holding unit (210B). The cable holding unit (210 A) and the cable holding unit (210B) may be hole clips used to hold at least one cable (208).

[0037] The exhaust pipe is configured to connect to the engine of the vehicle (100) at one end and another end of the exhaust pipe is configured to release combustion gases to the outside atmosphere. The end connecting to the engine may be the upstream side of the exhaust pipe as the combustion gases enter the exhaust pipe from the end at this end. The other end that is release the gases to the atmosphere may be the downstream of the exhaust as the gases flow from the engine towards this end and eventually to the outside atmosphere.

[0038] In an embodiment, the at least one oxygen sensor (204) is located at a downstream region of the exhaust pipe assembly. With reference to Figure 2, the at least one oxygen sensor (204) is a downstream oxygen sensor disposed on the exhaust muffler (202). In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) comprises at least one catalytic converter (220) disposed on the exhaust muffler (202). Herein, the oxygen sensor (204) is disposed on the exhaust muffler (202) after the at least one catalytic converter (220).

[0039] The catalytic converter (220) may convert harmful gases produced during combustion into less harmful substances. For example, the catalytic converter (220) may transform carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) present in the exhaust gases received from the exhaust pipe (202) into carbon dioxide (CO2), water (FLO), and nitrogen (N2). Thus, a level of oxygen present in exhaust gases after the transformations may be higher than a level of oxygen present in the exhaust gases before the transformations.

[0040] In an example, a first catalytic convertor (not shown) may be disposed on the exhaust pipe (218) and a second catalytic convertor (for example, the catalytic convertor 204) may be disposed on the exhaust muffler (202). An upstream oxygen sensor may be disposed before the first catalytic convertor on the exhaust pipe (218) when viewed from front of the vehicle (100). The downstream oxygen sensor (for example, the oxygen sensor (204)) may be disposed on the exhaust muffler (202) after the first catalytic convertor and the second catalytic convertor (for example, the catalytic convertor 220).

[0041] Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates a top view of the vehicle (100) of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle (100) comprises a coupler (302). The coupler (302) may refer to a connector that joins electrical wiring or communication systems, like between ECU and sensors. The coupler (302) helps transmit information (like engine temperature or throttle position) between different electronic systems of vehicle (100).

[0042] Figure 4 exemplarily illustrates a side view of the vehicle (100) of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle (100) may comprise a control unit (402) and a holding unit (404). The control unit (402) may be an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0043] The control unit (402) may be an electronic system responsible for managing and coordinating various vehicle functions. The control unit (402) may be an electronic control unit (ECU), an engine control unit that processes data from various sensors and input devices to optimize the performance of the two-wheeler. The control unit (402) in a two-wheeler is essentially a brain of an engine. The control unit (402) manages various functions of the engine to optimize performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. The control unit (402) takes input from sensors around the vehicle (100) (like a throttle position, an engine temperature, and an oxygen levels in the exhaust assembly) and then adjusts parameters like fuel injection, ignition timing, and idle speed accordingly.

[0044] With reference to Figure 3 and 4, in an embodiment, at least one cable (208) is routed from the at least one pillion footrest bracket (206) along a side tube (212) of the frame assembly of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the at least one cable (208) is connected to the at least one control unit (402) via the coupler (302). In an embodiment, the coupler (302) is fastened to the side tube (212) via the holding unit (404). The holding unit (404) may be a strap fastener. In an embodiment, at least one control unit (402) is centrally located in the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, at least one cable (208) is routed from a right side to a left side when viewed from a front side of the vehicle (100).

[0045] The disclosed vehicle may provide an optimal cable routing and secure mounting of the oxygen sensor. The disclosed routing may prevent the cable from coming into contact with hot components, such as the muffler. Thus, a risk of heat damage, cable wear, and fire hazards may be reduced and may ensure a safer operation of the vehicle.

[0046] The disclosed vehicle may provide enhanced durability of the cable by ensuring that the cable is tightly secured and shielded from extreme heat or mechanical strain. Thus, a lifespan of the oxygen sensor and the cable may be prolonged. A frequency of maintenance or replacement may be also reduced.

[0047] As, the cable is securely routed and the oxygen sensor is accurately positioned, the vehicle enables the control unit to receive precise data from the sensor. Further, the routing of the cable is designed to be visually unobtrusive, maintaining an overall aesthetics of the vehicle. A usage of secure cable mounting techniques ensures that the cable remains discreet and does not interfere with the vehicle’s design, which is crucial in motorcycles where aesthetics is a significant factor.

[0048] The control unit, the pillion footrest bracket, and the oxygen sensor are in line. Therefore, a length of the cable connecting the oxygen sensor and the control unit is reduced. The disclosed vehicle optimizes the cable routing to fit various frame configurations without requiring different cable lengths or configurations, thus lowering production costs while maintainingfunctionality across models. Further the disclosed vehicle ensures that the cable is routed efficiently and securely without requiring modifications to the engine or mounting bracket, making it a practical solution for a wide range of two-wheeler models.

[0049] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with another does not imply that all such components are required, On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention.

[0050] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

[0051] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

[0052] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI / We Claim:

1. A vehicle (100) comprising:an exhaust pipe assembly;at least oxygen sensor (204) disposed on a rear end portion of the exhaust pipe assembly;a pillion footrest bracket (206) mounted above the rear end portion of the exhaust pipe assembly;at least one controller unit (402); andat least one cable (208) communicatively connected between the at least one controller unit (402) and the at least one oxygen sensor (204), wherein the at least one cable (208) is extended and routed behind the at least one pillion footrest bracket (206).

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cable (208) is fastened to the pillion footrest bracket (206) via one or more cable holding units (210A, 210B).

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one oxygen sensor (204) is located at a downstream region of the exhaust pipe assembly.

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein exhaust pipe assembly comprises an exhaust pipe (218) and an exhaust muffler (202) connected to the exhaust pipe (218).

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, comprising at least one catalytic converter (220) disposed on the exhaust muffler (202), and wherein the oxygen sensor (204) is disposed on the exhaust muffler (202) after the at least one catalytic converter (220).

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cable (208) is routed from the at least one pillion footrest bracket (206) along a side tube (212) of a frame of the vehicle (100).

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cable (208) is connected to the at least one control unit (402) via a coupler (302).

8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the coupler (302) is fastened to a side tube (212) of a frame of the vehicle (100) via a holding unit (404).

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one control unit (402) is centrally located in the vehicle (100).

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one cable (208) is routed from a right side to a left side of the vehicle (100), when viewed from a front side of the vehicle (100).

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